Application of the sea urchin sperm bioassay to sewage treatment efficiency and toxicity in marine waters

Abstract

A newly standardized 60-minute sea urchin (and sand dollar) sperm bioassay was used to measure the toxicity of sewage at each stage in the treatment process. The sensitivity of the sperm bioassay was compared to the results of 48- to 96-hour bioassays with sea urchin and oyster embryos and crab zoeae in side-by-side tests of each sewage type. These data were then used to estimate the dilutions necessary to protect sensitive life stages of marine animals around a proposed sewage outfall in Puget Sound and to select the best bioassay procedure for a post-discharge program for monitoring water column toxicity. Results showed that very little acute toxicity was removed by the primary treatment process but that toxicity was greatly reduced by secondary treatment. A high degree of toxicity was reintroduced by chlorination but this source of toxicity was essentially eliminated by dechlorination. The simple and rapid sperm assay proved more sensitive to all stages of sewage than did the longer embryo and larval assays. Based on the results of the comparative testing and the ease, rapidity and year-round availability of the sea urchin sperm assay (sea urchins in winter, sand dollars in summer), this test was recommended for post-discharge monitoring of sewage effluent-related toxicity in the receiving waters.